New Zealand vs South Africa: Rugby World Cup final kick-off time, TV channel, team news, lineups, venue, odds

It was a far more comfortable semi-final for the All Blacks, who swatted aside Argentina after knocking out pre-tournament world No1 side Ireland.

Despite both of these teams finishing second in their pool as a highly-fancied northern hemisphere contingent looked hell-bent on seizing control of the 2023 World Cup, it is the sport’s greatest nations who will meet in Paris for the Webb Ellis Cup.

It is a rematch of the 1995 final, which defending champions South Africa won in historic fashion on home soil.

New Zealand vs South Africa takes place on Saturday October 28, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.

The Stade de France in Paris will host the match.

TV channel: In the UK, the game is available to watch live and free to air in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the final live online via the ITVX website and app.

Live blog: Follow the game with Standard Sport’s live blog, with Nick Purewal at the ground to provide expert analysis.

New Zealand recalled Mark Telea from a disciplinary breach for the semi-final while leaving Leicester Fainga’anuku out of a highly-competitive squad.

The All Blacks’ all-time leading cap holder Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick will compete to start at lock.

South Africa piled their bench onto the pitch early in the second half against England, having been unimpressed with their starting XV which trailed by six points at the break.

Mannie Libbok was hooked after just 30 minutes and Handre Pollard will be knocking on the door to seal his stunning return from injury with a starting spot in the final.

The teams will be confirmed on Wednesday or Thursday ahead of the final.

An all-English quartet has been handed the reins to the World Cup final for the first time, with Wayne Barnes the referee and compatriots Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley running the lines. Tom Foley is in charge of TMO.

It was ugly against England but South Africa wrestled through to the final in the manner that only champions can muster.

That said, New Zealand knocked out a superb Ireland team and are certainly a big-game team.

It’s a really tough one to call but the defending champions have the edge and will be whipped back into shape after disappointing for much of their semi-final.

South Africa to win, by under five points.

The Boks bullied the All Blacks in a World Cup warm-up win in London but they are tied at three wins apiece since their meeting at the 2019 tournament.

New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup: Evens

South Africa to win the Rugby World Cup: Evens

Odds via Bet 365 (subject to change).